Rethinking the Causes of Colic: Why Old Theories (Like Gas and Anxiety) Fall Short

The search for a single cause of colic has led generations down unproductive paths. Parents and doctors blamed gas, overactive intestines, maternal stress, or even supernatural explanations. Yet clinical research continually shows these explanations can't account for the pattern, timing, or self-resolution of colic. Studies using X-rays, allergy elimination diets, and anxiety measures find little correlation between these variables and periods of persistent, inconsolable crying.

Instead, crying clusters—especially in the late afternoon or evening, peaking between 2 and 6 weeks of age, and then resolving around 3 to 4 months—point to a developmental, not pathological, origin. The 'fourth trimester' hypothesis aligns best with all the observed colic features: when womb-like conditions are recreated and the calming reflex is triggered, even the most intense crying often subsides. Exceptions, like rare reflux, allergies, or feeding failures, are proven by clear physical symptoms and usually require medical evaluation—yet the majority of fussy babies are healthy, just overwhelmed by a world they’re not yet equipped to handle. Recognizing this reduces unnecessary guilt and avoids ineffective (or dangerous) treatments.

The next time you're up against hours of screaming, stop cycling through remedies for gas or stress unless there are other clear medical signs. Instead, keep a log for a week to track crying patterns and see if the 'Rule of Threes' applies. If so, switch your focus to soothing routines and womb-like comfort—not searching for ever more explanations or medical fixes. Accepting these developmental realities lessens guilt and redirects your energy where it counts most.